Morris Yachts Chosen by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to Build The New Leadership 44 Training Vessels

Bass Harbor, Maine: Cuyler Morris, President of Morris Yachts confirmed today that Morris had won the contract over several other prestigious yards to build 4 Leadership 44 training vessels.

The new 44-foot David Pederick-designed vessels will replace the decades old Luders sailing craft. Morris will begin the construction by the end of this year. Morris was selected over Hinckley, Tartan, Goetz and Pearson.

“We look at the partnership of designer and builder for our Leadership 44 program as a huge win/win for everybody involved. We have in David Pedrick one of the most acclaimed yacht designers in the world and in our builder, Morris Yachts, we have arguably the finest builder in the country and a firm that will be our partner long after our last boat is launched,” said Bob Hallock Leadership 44 Procurement Chair.

“This is a very prestigious and timely contract for Morris Yachts,†said Morris, “It is an honor to be chosen by our country’s Coast Guard to build these craft. These vessels are the foundation of leadership training at the Coast Guard Academy. Secondly, it allows Morris to bring back as many as 20 of our skilled workers who were furloughed this summer due to economic times.â€

Mechanics, electricians, carpenters and composite craftsmen will be re-hired this fall. As the promotional material states, the Coast Guard hope to build as many as 8 – one for each Cadet company.

The Academy is involved in a large capital campaign to fund the project. They believe firmly that putting Cadets under sail is the best way to teach future maritime officers the ways of the sea, and acquire a love for its lore. Under sail, the future officer gains a greater appreciation and respect for the wind, waves, and tides.

Sailing craft also provide Cadets a valuable leadership experience – often their first experience at command and control at sea. A ship under sail tests the true character and mettle of a young officer, and provides invaluable lessons on the importance of teamwork.

The Leadership 44s Capital Campaign seeks to raise the funds needed to replace the aging Luders.

* First capital campaign involving all Academy stakeholders to meet one of the Academy Superintendent’s top priorities

* Designed to be a floating leadership platform, providing Cadets a maritime experience that is difficult to recreate with large cutters

* Primary platform for the 2/c Coastal Sail Training Program; considered by most Cadets to be their seminal leadership experience while at the Academy

* Provide all Cadets with small craft command and control, navigation, and seamanship experiences

* Will be used as an extension of the Cadet barracks, with each Cadet Company having access to, and responsibility for, its own boat

* Extends the waterfront season, providing Cadets more time underway and the standardization of the off-shore sailing program

* Showcases the Academy as one of the premier waterfront facilities in the country

For more information on the program go to: www.cgaleadership44.org.

Founded in 1972 by Tom Morris, Morris Yachts is America’s premier builder of semi-custom and custom sailing yachts from 29-70ft. Morris Yachts have a demonstrated reputation for luxury, performance and great value. In 1996, his son Cuyler joined Tom in the family business and became President of the company in 2001. Since then the company has expanded into a complete yacht service organization including brokerage and custom yacht construction. Their deepwater marine facility in Bass Harbor has a 50-ton travel lift, two, state-of-the-art AwlGrip spray paint bays, new boat sales and brokerage offices. The Bass Harbor facility has the capacity to handle boats up to 65′, with indoor heated and cold storage for up to 150 boats, sail or power. Morris Yachts’ skilled craftsmen and engineering staff can handle routine maintenance or the most sophisticated and complicated restorations and rebuilds. Morris Service Northeast Harbor offers a full array of services – haul-out (23-ton travelift), full electrical, mechanical and machinery capabilities, plus varnish work can all be done at the new yard. Yacht management, full yacht provisioning, transient slips, indoor heated or non-heated storage and outside storage will also be available for Morris customers at the Northeast Harbor location. Sales and ship store are also part of the new yard.

Morris Yachts 53 Granville Rd., Bass Harbor, Maine 04653 +1-207-244-5509; sales1@morrisyachts.com; www.morrisyachts.com

By Professional Mariner Staff